The Albert Campion series is a series of crime fiction books written by the highly renowned British novelist named Margery Allingham. This series is comprised of 21 books in total which were published between 1929 and 1971. Author Allingham has introduced the central character in this series in the form of a suave sleuth named Albert Campion. Along with the novels of this crime fiction series, the character is also seen in a few short stories, which are also written by author Allingham. It is believed that author Allingham has created the Albert Campion’s character as a parody to the character of Lord Peter Wimsey created by author Dorothy L. Sayers. But, she eventually went on to develop a unique personality of Albert Campion. Some of his features are similar to that of Lord Wimsey. Both of them are seen as British gentlemen in their respective novel series. However, Albert Campion is shown as a thin and blond man, who wears glasses. He is affable, bland, and inoffensive, but is also considered to be a man of action and authority. Author Allingham began writing the series in the year 1929 and published its debut book, titled The Crime at Black Dudley, in the same year. The book was also published under the title The Black Dudley Murder in several foreign countries. The series ran for a total of 21 books, of which two were written the husband of author Allingham. It ultimately ended in the year 1971.

Over the course of the series, author Allingham collaborated with several other novelists for writing certain specific parts of the series. One of them is her husband, author Youngman Carter, who helped author Allingham to write the final book of the series after her death and also wrote a couple more before dying. In the series’ first book, Albert Campion featured as a supporting character. In the book, he goes on an adventurous journey, fighting against a ring of criminal activities. Due to the immense positive response given to the character by the readers and the critics, author Allingham decided to continue featuring him 18 more books as a part of the series. She also depicted the popular character in more than 20 short stories over the course of the series. The name Albert Campion is actually a pseudonym that was used by the character in the series. He was actually born in the year 1900 in one of the prominent aristocrat families of England. The earlier novels of the series hint that Albert Campion belonged to the Royal British family, but author Allingham dropped this idea in the later books. Albert received his education from the Rugby School and the St. Ignatius College, Cambridge.

During his early 20s, Albert Campion was very resourceful, well educated, and ingenious. He undertook the name Campion and started his life as a detective and adventurer. The physical description of Albert Campion as described by author Allingham is similar to that of a thin and blond man. He always wears a horn rimmed glass. Albert often has a deceptively unintelligent and blank expression on his face. In spite of all the difficulties he faces in solving the mysteries around him, Albert Campion is considered himself to be a comforting and helpful man. He always helps his friends and the ones in need. In some of the books, he is depicted as living in a flat located on top of a police station at 17A, Bottle Street, Piccadilly, London. In the initial novels, author Allingham has described Campion as having a pet jackdaw named Autolycus. Over the course of the crime fiction series, Albert Campion is assisted by his manservant named Magersfontein Lugg. He is described as a rough and tumble, uncouth fellow, who was once a burglar. Albert Campion is also known to be a very good friend of Inspector Stanislaus Oates from the Scotland Yard. He also likes to work in an unorthodox manner, just like Albert Campion. During the time of the war, Albert is depicted as being involved in some intelligence work. Later, he is shown as having a connection with the secret services. Many books of the series were adapted into several popular television series from 1959 to 1990, particularly by the BBC. The actors who played the role of Albert Campion include Bernard Horsfall, Brian Smith, and Peter Davison.

An early novel written by author Allingham in the Albert Campion series is titled as ‘Mystery Mile’. This book was released in 1930 by Random House publishers. Author Allingham has set the novel in the United Kingdom, featuring the central characters as Albert Campion, Crowdy Lobbett, Magersfontein Lugg, Marlowe Lobbett, etc. The start of the book shows Judge Crowdy Lobbett having found important evidences that identify the criminal mastermind of the deadly Sinister gang. When this news reaches the gang, they try to kill him and make 4 unsuccessful attempts. Crowdy Lobbett comes to the unorthodox and enigmatic amateur sleuth named Albert Campion for help. Albert decides to bundle off Lobbett to a country house located in Mystery Mile, Suffolk. Following this, all sorts of adventures begin to ensue. Now, it becomes a race against time for Albert to keep the judge safe from the deadly gang. He is also required to study the evidences found by the judge so as to decipher the name of the gang’s leader. Even though the book is written as a part of the series, it can also be read as a standalone novel.

Another book written by Allingham in the mystery series is titled as ‘Police at the Funeral’. It was released by the Vintage publishers in the year 11931. The plot of this book features the lead characters in the form of Albert Campion, Inspector Oates, Marcus Featherstone, Andrew Seeley, Magersfontein Lugg, Caroline Faraday, Joyce Blount, etc. The starting scene of the book shows that Caroline Faraday is an imperious lady, who likes to run her house in the form of a Victorian fiefdom. She does not seem concerned about the fact that the time is of the year 1931. Her house comprises of all the heavy furniture. Even the meals are elaborate and heavy. However, she has forbidden all the members of her family to keep motorcars and have morning tea. All the middle-aged children in the family crave for these things, but they do not seem to have any other option. However, they continue to stay in the house for the money. Shortly after, one of the children turns up dead, followed by his sister. Then Albert Campion is called on to investigate the matter. He comes across several mind blowing secrets hidden in Caroline Faraday’s house. While solving this case, he undergoes yet another adventure in life.

Master of the standalone thriller genre, Shari Lapena, is back. Author of The Couple Next Door and A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest is the latest novel by Shari. It takes place in a cozy mountain lodge in Winter where various people are staying for a romantic getaway. A blizzard cuts off the power and any contact with the outside world so everyone settles in for the long haul. Then a guest dies. And another. Knowing Shari's other books, this should be one we'll be reading late into the night. For more details or to pre-order, visit our Shari Lapena page.

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Our book series of the month is the Will Robie Series by David Baldacci. If you like Mitch Rapp, Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne etc then you'll love the Will Robie series. These are page turners to the max too and Baldacci knows how to keep you going all night long!

Featured Author

Bill Wenham is the author of various book series including The Inspector Charrington Mysteries and the Inspector Bruce Mysteries. He just started writing in his 80s to follow a life long dream. It’s an amazing story and the books he has written are pretty great too – his passion really shines through. Read more about Bills books.

Did You Know…

Due to the mass controversy involving the ending to The Divergent Trilogy, author Veronica Roth had to post a large blog post, both explaining and defending the ending of the series.